Introduction

The United States (US) is undergoing a maternal morbidity and mortality crisis (Hirshberg & Srinivas, 2017). In 2020, the US recorded a mortality ratio of 23.8 per 100,000 live births—its highest in the last twenty years (Hoyert, 2022); the majority of these adverse outcomes occur during postpartum (Creanga et al., 2017). The postpartum period—days and months following childbirth—offers opportunities to prevent adverse outcomes and improve long-term health for childbearing people. Acknowledging the significance of postpartum care for overall outcomes, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that postpartum care be continuous and accessible to all (Auguste & Gulati, 2018).

Adverse postpartum experiences are intricately associated with financial constraints, discrimination, and systemic biases within healthcare, resulting in inadequate personalized and culturally sensitive care (Bellerose et al., 2022; D’Anna et al., 2018; Hall et al., 2015; Makama et al., 2021; Wouk et al., 2021) which often leads to suboptimal health outcomes (Wang et al., 2020). Similarly, rural residents are disproportionately affected by adverse outcomes compared to their urban counterparts (Merkt et al., 2021; Petersen et al., 2019). Key US policies aim to enhance access to postpartum care. The 2010 Affordable Care Act (ACA) expanded eligibility for pregnancy-related insurance, increasing postpartum care utilization in Medicaid expansion states (Myerson et al., 2020). More recently, the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act permitted states, including Arizona, to extend Medicaid coverage from 60 to 365 days after childbirth (US White House, 2021). These policies prioritize economically disadvantaged populations, potentially neglecting the unique needs of other groups, such as rural residents. To promote equity, policy interventions should be customized to effectively address the requirements of other underserved populations (Glanz & Bishop, 2010).

Literature extensively documents the postpartum needs of Black, Latino, and economically disadvantaged childbearing people (Baker et al., 2005; Bellerose et al., 2022; D’Anna et al., 2018; Sacks et al., 2022; Wang et al., 2022; Wouk et al., 2021). However, there is limited US-based research on postpartum care among rural populations. While few studies have quantitatively analyzed the effects of rural residence on postpartum care utilization and outcomes (Bryant et al., 2016; Hung et al., 2018; Interrante et al., 2022; Kozhimannil et al., 2022), narrative perspectives on lived experiences of postpartum individuals living in rural communities are underrepresented in literature (Barton & Anderson, 2021; Gjesfjeld et al., 2015.).

Since postpartum needs vary between groups, capturing and validating narratives is necessary to guide policy interventions (Jones et al., 2014; Meriwether et al., 2023). This qualitative study examined rural individuals’ postpartum experiences and needs to highlight perceived facilitators and barriers to postpartum care utilization. A nuanced understanding of these factors will identify priorities for optimized postpartum care and support for people in the rural US.

Methods

This study formed part of an extensive qualitative Title V Supplement Maternal Health Study in Arizona, which explored maternity experiences during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. We utilized a qualitative research design by conducting in-depth interviews and reflexive thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2020). This study followed ethical standards in the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its later amendments. Ethical approval was granted by the University of Arizona Institutional Review Board (IRB Protocol Number: 1907776588).

A semi-structured interview guide with open-ended questions on pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum was developed and pretested. Participants were recruited from September 2021 to May 2022, using a stratified, purposive sampling method, meeting specific criteria: (1) recent childbirth within three years, (2) minimum age of 18, (3) residency in an Arizona rural area, and (4) proficiency in English or Spanish, and completed consent forms and sociodemographic questionnaires on the Research Electronic Data Capture application (REDCap) (Harris et al., 2009). A diverse group of thirty individuals (n = 30) were interviewed and received $20 each, ensuring the representation of various postpartum experiences (Braun & Clarke, 2021). Researchers conducted 30–75-min in-depth interviews via Zoom, in-person, and telephone in English and Spanish for monolingual Spanish speakers. Audio recordings in Spanish were professionally translated into English and transcribed. Transcripts were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis methodology to identify and interpret data patterns (Braun & Clarke, 2020). These iterative processes involved familiarization, initial coding using MaxQDA (VERBI Software, 2020), and reflexive thematic mapping.

Results

The study included participants from diverse backgrounds, encompassing variations in language, culture, parity, income levels, and postpartum journeys. Table 1 demonstrates the participant demographics, all cis females, with an age range of 20 to 41 years and an average age of 30. A significant proportion of participants, approximately 80 percent, had completed a 2–4-year college degree and possessed health insurance coverage. The ensuing themes shed light on the critical priorities highlighted by the participants.

Table 1 Participants’ demographics
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Theme 1: Maternity Care Experiences Influence Postpartum Care Utilization

Participants reported that their experiences of childbirth and hospital discharge influenced their engagement in postpartum care services, noting that adverse childbirth experiences and impersonal treatment discouraged them from seeking postpartum care (Table 2. A). They emphasized the importance of compassionate, person-centered clinical care that respects their decisions and choices. They observed that their interactions with obstetricians tended to be brief and insufficient for fostering trust-based relationships. They also mentioned preferring care from providers of similar gender or race (Table 2. B). Additionally, some participants favored midwives over obstetricians because midwives were perceived to be more attentive to their needs and endorsed their birthing and postpartum preferences (Table 2. C), noting that impersonal provider-patient relationships prevented them from seeking information about their health and considering future healthcare engagements (Table 2. D). A common thread among individuals who reported positive experiences was the presence of health providers who provided information and engaged in discussions about childbirth and postpartum needs (Table 2. E).

Table 2 Summary of themes 1–4
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Theme 2: Structural Support and Systems

Participants highlighted the significance of structural and health system factors in shaping postpartum care utilization. They emphasized how policy constraints and structural challenges posed significant barriers, resulting in the need to navigate complex obstacles, including geographical barriers, financial limitations, and deficient support structures (Table 2. F). Limited transportation resources emerged as a prominent obstacle, restricting the frequency of postpartum visits (Table 2. G). Despite the proximity of healthcare services, some participants acknowledged missing clinic appointments, citing that long intervals between postpartum visits made them cancel appointments as other postpartum priorities took precedence (Table 2. H). Participants perceived rural health facilities as inadequate, lacking essential infrastructure and sufficient personnel to provide specialized maternity and postpartum care when required. Access to a diverse pool of healthcare providers was essential, enhancing individuals’ perceptions of the quality of care available.

Juggling childcare responsibilities alongside parental work commitments, whether full-time or part-time, emerged as a significant issue for the participants. They stressed the importance of assistance in tending to the needs of their newborn’s older siblings, acknowledging its impact on their own healing and recuperation process. Additionally, the absence of childcare facilities posed additional challenges, especially when hospital visits did not allow for the accompaniment of older children. Participants had limited childcare options, which impeded their attendance at scheduled appointments (Table 2. I). Participants acknowledged that health insurance was a crucial safety net ensuring ongoing care and noted that they encountered frustrations if ineligible for postpartum care. The majority linked financial strain to postpartum depression, highlighting its impact on care-seeking and access to specialist services. Affordability, a subjective concept, was highlighted as a significant influence on postpartum care decisions, expressing concerns about recurring copays and service fees (Table 2. J). In addition, participants grappled with the decision to either return to work or leave employment to care for their newborn and other children. The choice between financial security and caregiving responsibilities was a recurring theme for many participants. While some individuals found resuming work beneficial for their mental well-being and readjustment, it primarily reflected financial pressures for others.

Theme 3: Health Information and Literacy

Participants highlighted a critical need for more comprehensive information on various postpartum issues. Expressing frustration over inadequate knowledge regarding mental health, peripartum mood disorders (PMD), breastfeeding, and sleep support, participants felt unprepared to manage these concerns while alone with their infant (Table 2. K). Although most were screened for mental health during prenatal and postnatal visits and briefed on postpartum blues and depression, understanding the nuances of postpartum mental health proved challenging. Distinguishing between transient issues and those warranting medical attention was a common source of confusion. Despite experiencing some form of mental health challenge, participants felt ill-equipped to recognize PMD or seek appropriate assistance.

Participants reported receiving information from healthcare providers, primarily concerning newborn care and infant developmental milestones, alongside discussions on peripartum mood disorders. However, verbal discharge instructions often went unheeded due to physical discomfort, excitement, or lack of comprehension of medical terminologies. Reading materials provided at discharge were deemed beneficial, but time constraints hindered in-depth perusal (Table 2. L). Social media platforms and pregnancy websites emerged as alternative sources of health information for many participants. Acknowledging the empowering nature of print resources, they noted that these lacked guidance on navigating the healthcare system and accessing postpartum support. Preferences for communication channels varied, with a notable inclination toward electronic platforms providing real-time, on-demand information to address emerging concerns.

Theme 4: Networks of Care

All participants emphasized the need for consistent postpartum care, advocating for a care duration of 6 months to 2 years (Table 2. M). They suggested that receiving a schedule of appointments upon discharge and integrating postpartum visits with infants’ appointments would enhance the continuity of postpartum care. (Table 2. N). Participants stressed the importance of community-based healthcare providers, particularly postpartum doulas and home visitors. They pointed out discrepancies between clinical and community-level support, citing challenges in service navigation and care coordination (Table 2. O). Doulas and home visitors were recognized as essential in addressing the lack of social support from family and friends. However, financial constraints often limited participants’ access to these services (Table 2. P).

Theme 5: Social Support

Participants stressed the crucial role of social support in promoting positive postpartum experiences. Table 3 outlines their perspectives and policy considerations. They emphasized the importance of partners and community-level providers, including doulas and home visitors, in delivering personalized care. Participants also called for improved breastfeeding support and comprehensive sleep and mental health guidance. However, they highlighted financial constraints and limited access to support services as significant obstacles to comprehensive postpartum care.

Table 3 Theme 5: social support, representative statements, and priorities needs
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Discussion

The study identified five key themes in rural Arizona’s postpartum experiences and care utilization. These themes highlight the influence of maternity care experiences on postpartum care utilization, the impact of structural obstacles on access, the need for comprehensive health information, the importance of sustained postpartum care, and the critical role of social support in addressing financial constraints. These findings were consistent with previous qualitative investigations of postpartum experiences in various contexts and demographics (Bellerose et al., 2022; Gjesfjeld et al., 2015; Henderson et al., 2016; Negron et al., 2013; Roman et al., 2017; Wouk et al., 2021). Our analysis underscored the idea that postpartum encounters were heavily influenced by childbirth and hospital discharge experiences. The participants’ narratives revealed negative provider behaviors, including a lack of personalized care, dismissal of prior medical experiences and preferences, and instances of disrespect that affected trust and future use of postpartum care (Bellerose et al., 2022; Wouk et al., 2021).

Utilizing postpartum care services from multiple levels of care systems, including clinics and through community-based provider visits, was crucial in enhancing the postpartum experience and overall outcomes. This study identified prominent structural barriers to postpartum care utilization, including insufficient paid parental leave, unstable health insurance coverage, the absence of financial support for crucial non-clinical services, transportation issues, limited childcare services, and links to community-level support (Barton & Anderson, 2021; Gjesfjeld et al., 2015). These findings emphasize that structural hurdles profoundly influence postpartum experiences and outcomes and shape parents’ and families’ navigation of support systems, particularly in rural communities. Qualitative and quantitative studies on postpartum care in rural areas primarily highlight the shortage of hospital-based care providers (Barton & Anderson, 2021; HRSA, 2020; Kozhimannil et al., 2020). In addition, this study illuminates the profound challenges rural childbearing people face because of the limited childcare and community-based support (Gjesfjeld et al., 2015; Henning-Smith & Kozhimannil, 2019; Kozhimannil et al., 2016; Negron et al., 2013), making the imperative for a comprehensive network of community-based providers for postpartum support.

Our findings emphasize barriers to mental health screening, diagnosis, and breastfeeding support in rural communities, underscoring the importance of structural interventions, including health insurance and community-based social support. Policy interventions targeting increased access to paid parental leave can make critical interventions more affordable for individuals and families. Insurance coverage for community and home-based services, such as doula care, could notably benefit rural postpartum individuals, enhancing access to personalized support beyond traditional clinic-based settings.

Implications for Policy, Program, and Practice

For adequate postpartum support, prioritize comprehensive training for partners and household members of postpartum individuals, integrating technology-driven solutions at the community level for extended emotional support. Clinic-based providers play a vital role in identifying care needs, with flexibility in scheduling appointments to accommodate various demands. Integration with community-level caregivers, such as doulas and home visitors, is essential for a seamless continuum of care (Barton & Anderson, 2021; HRSA, 2020). Promoting instrumental support for breastfeeding is essential for childbearing people. Health authorities must enable insurance reimbursements for community-based providers, particularly in rural communities, where recent public health insurance expansions still need to address care needs adequately (Myerson et al., 2020). For example, expanding health insurance coverage may not improve the shortage of providers in rural communities because access barriers for economically disadvantaged individuals may differ from those encountered by rural communities. Implementing family-centric policies that enhance affordability, including paid sick leave and flexible work hours, is critical for improving postpartum care utilization and experiences, especially for rural residents (Kortsmit et al., 2021).

The qualitative approach in this study fostered safe conversations, allowing participants to share their experiences. The reflexive thematic analysis method facilitated a comprehensive interpretation of complex social phenomena and integrated researchers’ subjective interpretations with participants’ voices, creating a comprehensive and contextually rich depiction of postpartum experiences, ensuring transparency and minimizing bias. As the sampling was non-deterministic, insights from our diverse participant group may not represent the entire population of childbearing individuals in rural US communities. This calls for caution in generalizing findings. Additionally, the subjective nature of qualitative research introduces the potential for bias in data collection, interpretation, and analysis. While efforts were made to minimize bias through reflexivity, the influence of the researchers’ perspectives and preconceptions on findings cannot be entirely ruled out. Nonetheless, these findings provide valuable insights into the nuanced needs of postpartum people in rural settings.

Conclusion

These findings underscore the influence of maternity care experiences and structural barriers on postpartum care utilization and advocate for comprehensive person-centered postpartum care that acknowledges the need for community-level support and services and policy interventions to improve accessibility and affordability of social support services.